Printing machine



Dec. 24, 1940. WYRlCK 2,225,962

PRINT ING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. 29, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet l Jmm CLAYTON E. WYRICK, BY

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Patented Dec. 24, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Original application August 29, 1936, Serial No. 98,514. Divided and this application January 3, 1938, Serial No. 183,094

25 Claims.

This invention relates to printing machines and particularly to such machines for the printing of forms or designs on one or more sheets, strips or webs of paper or the like.

It is an object of this invention to provide sheet, strip or web aligning means for such a machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide aligning means for receiving, from a fanfolded pack, a plurality of superposed webs or sheets, and aligning said webs or sheets, and presenting them to the feeding and printing means of the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide, in association with such aligning means, control means for the motive means of the machine, whereby to make the operation of the machine dependent upon the continuity of the sheets or webs handled in the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such means which will operate to shut down the motive means of the machine immediately upon breakage, or exhaustion, of one or more of the webs or upon encountering a torn or mutilated portion therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide, in such a machine, an aligning chamber and a movable aligning means supporting frame which may be withdrawn from the chamber to facilitate loading of the machine by insertion of a plurality of web ends, through the aligning means and into the web feeding and printing means of the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide, in a printing machine comprising a lower major frame unit or structure and a plurality of superposed printing frames or units hingedly attached to one another and the lower unit, means in the lower major frame unit for aligning and guiding one or more sheets, strips, or webs of material to be printed, which sheets, strips or webs are each to be threaded through, and printed in, one of the printing frames or units; the guiding and alignment of the sheets, strips or webs insuring that they will follow a true course when fed through the printing mechanism in the respective printing frames or units.

These and other objects and advantages will appear from the following description taken in connection with the drawings. I

This application is a division of my application Serial No. 98,514, filed August 29, 1936.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a printing machine constructed according to the principles of this invention with attached stacker, as seen from the right side of the machine;

Figure 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal central section through the lower frame unit and a single superposed printing unit;

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the aligning frame in its extended position;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit connecting the aligning mechanism, the clutch operating mechanism, and the drive motor;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view in side elevation of the clutch operating mechanism, showing the parts in position for continuous operation of the machine;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic View similar to Figure 7, but in top plan;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fi ure 7, but showing the parts in position to break the power train; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 1, with the stacker omitted, and showing the printing units swung into elevated position above the base unit, certain details of the operative structure having been omitted in the interest of clearness of disclosure.

Referring to the drawings in detail and with reference particularly to Figures 1, 5 and 10, I have shown, as illustrative of my invention, a machine comprising a base frame, generally designated A, which contains the aligning chamber and supports a type plate and three printing units or unit assemblies, generally designated B, the lower of which is pivotally secured at the rear end of the base frame A in a manner which will hereinafter more clearly appear, and. each of the other printing units B being pivotally connected in like manner to the printing unit therebelow.

The base unit, or base frame A, is mounted on a table E which is supported on legs F. Rigidly secured to the legs F in spaced relation to the table E is the shelf G, which is adapted to support a stack of fan-folded paper webs to be printed in the machine. Rigidly secured to the under side of the table is the motor H. The printing units B are identical, save for the fact that the first, or lower, printing unit only is equipped with a master print control for controlling the printing operations of the superposed printing units as well as a driving clutch for connecting and disconnecting the machine to the driving means.

Base frame (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10) The base frame comprises a pair of longitudinal side plates I having a horizontally disposed plate member 2 disposed therebetween and to the longitudinal sides of which they are attached by means of screws 3. Disposed between the side plates I, spaced from and parallel with the plate member 2, is an aligner supporting plate 4 (Figs. 3 and 4) which, in conjunction with the side plates I and plate member 2, form the aligning chamber. Longitudinal rails la which are fastened to the inside surfaces of the side plates I, above and below the plate member 2, provide grooves for receiving the sides of the plate member 2 and retaining it in parallelism with the aligner support plate 4.

Aligning means (Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6) With reference particularly to Figures 3 and, it will be seen that the aligner of my invention comprises a framework made up of a pair of side members 5, which are secured together in spaced relation by means of the brace rod 6 rigidly secured therebetween at the forward end of the rail and the plate bracket 1 rigidly secured therebetween at the rear end of the rail. Just forward of the plate bracket 1 and secured between the rails 5 in the same manner as the brace rod 6 is the brace rod 8. Rigidly attached to the forward ends of the respective rails 5 are bracket members 9 which are adapted to support the forward guide rolls H], II and [2 for free rotation. In the aligning chamber, at the left side, is secured to the side plate I a conductor plate l3 which is insulated therefrom and which has a plurality of conducting contacts l4 secured to the inner side thereof (Fig. 4). A similar conducting plate !5 having conducting contacts I6 is attached to the righthand side plate I in like manner. J ournaled for free rotation and having the end pintles thereof insulated from the respective rails 5 are rear guide rolls I1, l8 and I9 respectively. The righthand pintles of these rear guide rolls extend outwardly and into contact with the conducting contacts I6 on the conductor plate l5.

Secured rearwardly of each of the rear guide rolls ll, [8 and I9 is a conducting rod 20. Each of these conducting rods is insulated from the rails 5 and has its left end in contact with the conducting contacts M. of the conductor plates I3. The conductor rods 2! are secured against rotation in the rails 5 by means of set screws. The lefthand conductor plate I3 is connected by means of wire I311 to the solenoid 26 while the conductor plate I5 is connected by means of wire 28 to a solenoid operated switch, generally designated 29. See diagram, Fig. 6. Adjustably mounted on each conducting rod 20 by means of clamp 23 is a rear guide roll contactor 22 which, when properly adjusted, will resiliently contact each of the respective rear guide rolls ll, l8 and I9. As will clearly appear from Figure 6, when one lead of a circuit is connected to the conductor plate I3 and the other lead to the conductor plate I5, the path of the circuit through the aligner will be, for instance, from a conductor plate l3 through contacts M to the conductor rods 20 and thence through guide roll contactors 22 to the respective rear guide rolls and thence through conducting contacts l6 to the conductor plate i5 and thence to the second circuit lead.

When paper webs are inserted between the respective rear guide roll contactors 22 and the respective rear guide rolls, these circuits will be opened and this is the normal operation of the circuit in the aligner as the circuits are utilized as a safety means which are adapted. when closed by contact of any one of the rear guide roll contactors 22 with any one of the respective rear guide rolls to cause the power of the machine to be shut off for a reason which Will hereinafter clearly appear.

Slidably mounted on each of the brace rods 6 and 8 is a pair of members 24 which are adapted to support edge guides 25, which edge guides are provided with suitable apertures so that they will clear the rear guide rolls ll, l8 and I9 and the conductor rods 20. Any number of such apertures may be provided in order to accommodate any desired number of rear guide rolls and conductor rods for increasing the capacity of the machine. A like number of apertures is provided in the rails 5 for the same purpose. The edge guides are pressed inwardly against stop means provided on their supporting members 24 by springs received in a; peripheral groove of members 24, the details of which members 24 are clearly shown in Figure 2.

This figure also shows the means by which the members 24 are frictionally supported against axial movement on the respective brace rods. The capacity of the machine may be increased by adding more of these members and a like number of forward guide rolls at the front of the aligner to accommodate added paper webs upon the increase of the capacity of the machine by adding additional printing frames. It will be understood that, when it is desired to operate the machine to feed fewer numbers of webs than is accommodated by its ultimate capacity, the circuit closing of any desired rear guide roll contactor 22 may be prevented by the interposition of a piece of paper between the contactor and the roll with which it cooperates or by suitable adjustment of, or removal of, the contactor from its supporting conducting rod 20.

The above described provision on the edge guide support members 24 of suitable means for resiliently urging the edge guides 25 inwardly prevents misalignment of paper webs traveling therebetween. The edge guides may beadjusted trans versely of the aligner by means of the sliding engagement of the members 24 with the respective brace rods, upon which they are mounted. This enables the machine to accommodate webs of widely varying widths. The rails 5 are each provided at their rear ends with antifriction means comprising rollers 21 in order to provide for ease in sliding the aligner into and out of the aligning chamber.

Power wiring (Figs. 4 and 6) As shown diagrammatically in Figure 6, the lefthand conductor plate [3 is connected by means of wire [3a with one terminal of the solenoid 25. The other terminal of the solenoid 26 is connected by means of wire I312 to the terminal 23 and also terminal 3.! of the electrical plug block 28. The righthand conductor plate I5 is connected by means of wire 55a to the terminal 34 of tumbler switch The opposite terminal 33 of the tumbler switch is connected by means of wire 36 with the terminal 39 of the plug block 28. A wire 37 connects the terminal 342 of the tumbler switch 35 with the terminal 32 of the plug block 28, which terminal is disposed adjacent the terminal 3!. A tumbler 38 of the tumbler switch 35 is adapted, as shown, to cooperate with terminals 33 and 34 thereof to open and close a circuit between the terminals 33 and 34. This circuit is open when the switch lever 38a is in the rearward, or open, position, as shown in Figure 1. When the switch lever 35a is in its foremost, or upright, position, the circuit between terminals 33 and 34 is closed by the tumbler 38 of the tumbler switch 35 (Figs. 4 and 6).

A plug 4| leading from a suitable source of power has the terminal 39 thereof adapted for engagement with the terminal 29 of the plug block 28, and the terminal 40 thereof adapted for engagement with the terminal 30 of the plug block 28. An electric plug 44 is also adapted for detachable insertion into the plug block 28, and this plug 44 has one terminal 42 thereof engageable with the terminal 32 of the plug block 28 and the other terminal 43 thereof engageable with the terminal 3| of the plug block 28.

The drive motor H, as illustrated, is of the fourwire type, and two of the wires are connected to the terminal 42 of the plug 44, while the other two wires thereof are connected to the terminal 43 of the plug 44. Y

When the power plug 4| and motor plug 44 are properly inserted in the plug block 28, and when the tumbler 38 of the tumbler switch 35 is closed and the switch lever 38a is in upright or forward position, power from the plug 4| passes, from one side of the source of power through terminal 39, terminal 29, terminal 3|, two of the four motor wires, to one motor terminal, through the motor, through the other two motor wires, through terminals 42 and 32, through wires 31, terminal 34, tumbler 38, terminal 33, wire 35, terminal 35 and terminal 40 of the power plug ii to the other wire of the plug 4| which is connected to the opposite side of the source of power.

Thus, when the switch 35 is closed and the tumbler 38 provides connection between terminals 33 and 34, both these terminals are energized as are also the terminals 29 and. 3!. The conductor plate i is connected by means of wire |5a with the energized terminal 34, while the conductor plate 13 is connected through wire l3ct, solenoid coil 26 and wire |3b with both terminals 29 and 3|. Due to electrical connection of conducting rods 20 with the conductor plate I3 and electrical connection of the guide rolls ll, I3 and IS with the conductor plate l5, electrical connection between conductor plates 3 and I5 depends upon electrical connection between one or more of the respective conductor rods 20 and its corresponding guide roll I], I8 or Hi.

When the webs passing between the respective guide roll contactors 22 and their corresponding guide rolls are continuous, electrical connection between conductor plates l3 and I5 is, therefore, prevented. Immediately upon contact of one of the contactors 22 with its corresponding roll (when the tumbler switch 35 is closed and the tumbler 38 engaging terminals 33 and 34), a stick circuit is completed, which extends from terminal 29, through wire I31), solenoid 26, wire l3a, conductor plate l3, one of the conductor bars 29, the engaging contactor 22, the corresponding engaged guide roll, conductor plate l5 and wire l5a, to energized terminal 34.

The completion of this stick circuit energizes the solenoid 26 which causes the occurrence of power shut-down in a manner which is hereinafter more clearly explained.

Clutch operating mechanism (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 (incl As will be understood from the above description, the solenoid 26 is normally de-energized due to separation of each guide roll contactor 22 from its corresponding guide roll by the paper webs passing therebetween. The means by which energization of the solenoid 26 is made to cause power shut-down is as follows: a lever 45 is pivotally secured in suitable manner by screw 45a to the righthand rail forwardly of the solenoid 26, and this lever has an outwardly directed flange to which is bolted the pivoted end of the solenoid armature 46. The solenoid armature 43 is, of course, thrust or drawn to the left, as seen in the above figures, when the solenoid 25 is energized through engagement of a guide roll contactor 22 with its corresponding guide roll, as pointed out above. Normally, however, the lever 45 is freely swingable about its pivot screw 35a which is secured to the side rail The lever 48 is pivotally supported by the screw 49 adjacent the lever 45 and has an out-turned flange 53 at its upper end which is provided with a suitable aperture for attachment of the upper end of the tension spring 5|. Secured to the upper end of the lever 43 is a screw 52 similar to the screw 49 and slidably supported by these screws which extend through a pair of spaced oval apertures therein is the plate member 53 which has an out-turned horizontal flange 54 at its lower end, providing a thumb piece for manual actuation thereof and adjacent thereto a vertical flange or extension 55 provided with a suitable aperture in which is secured the lower end of the tension spring 5|. The plate 53 has a point 53a at its upper end which is adapted to be engaged, in a manner hereinafter more clearly described, by hook means I22 on a link I2! in the carriage operating mechanism to cause the lever 48 to be swung rearwardly or in counterclockwise direction from the position of Figure '7 to the position of Figure 8, as shown in Figure 9.

The lever 43 is provided at its rear side with a step 48a (Figs. 7 and 9) which is adapted to cooperate with the forward end of a lever 55 which is pivotally supported by the screw 5'! which is secured to the side rail l in the same manner as are the screws a and 49. This lever has a thumb piece 58 at its forward end and terminates at the rear in a projection 56a which is adapted to cooperate with the step 48a in the lever 48 in a manner hereinafter more clearly described.

The lever has a downwardly directed portion 561) disposed substantially at right angles to the projection 56a and thumb piece 58, and this portion 55b is provided with a suitable aperture through which extends the screw 59 which is rotatable with respect to the portion 56b and which is screw-threadedly secured to the forward end of the link 65. The lever 56 has a stud 55c secured to the inner side thereof and a like stud 48b is provided on the inner side of the lever 48, and a spring 6| extends therebetween, as shown in Figures 7 and 9.

The link 55 has a stud 62 at the inner side thereof, which has one end of the tension spring 63 attached thereto, while the other end of the tension spring 53 is attached to a stud 64 secured to the side rail I. This spring 63 normally urges or biases the link Si rearwardly of the machine or to the right, as seen in Figures 7 to 9 inclusive. The rearward or righthand end of the link is provided with an aperture through which extends the screw 65 which is rotatable in the aperture and which is screw-threadedly secured to the lever 66. The lever 66 is rigidly secured, at its lower end, to the pintle member 61, to which is also rigidly secured the roller arm 68 upon which is rotatably mounted the clutch roller 69 which cooperates with flanges 91 and 98 of clutch means, hereinafter described, in such manner that when the roller is engaged with these flange means the operating gear train is broken, because the clutch is open (Fig. 9); and when withdrawn therefrom, as shown in Figure '7, the operative gear train is closed to transmit power to the printing units, as is hereinafter more clearly clescribed.

In order that the machine may operate, the parts are set in the position shown in Figure '7 by thrusting the lever 45 rearwardly or to the right and engaging the flange or projection 55 of the plate 53 therewith by thrusting the plate 53 downwardly. The projection 56a on the lever 56 is disposed in the notch 43a of the lever 48, as also shown in Figure '7. The engagement of this projection 56a with the step 43a retains the lever 56 in substantially horizontal position, as shown in Figure 7, whereby to maintain the link 60 in its forwardmost position, as also shown in Figure 7, against tension of the spring 63. The roller 59 is then withdrawn from engagement with the clutch and the operative gear train is complete or closed, whereby power may be transmitted through the closed clutch means to operate the printing units. As above described, the solenoid 26 is de-energized.

When, upon exhaustion of one or more of the webs passing through the aligning chamber, or upon the interposition of a torn place of a web between contactor 22 and its corresponding guide roll, a circuit is completed between conductor plates I3 and I5 to energize the solenoid 26, the solenoid armature 46 is thrust forwardly or to the left, as seen in Figures '7, 8 and 9, from the position of Figure 7 to that of Figure 9. This causes the lever 45 to be swung in clockwise direction to remove the notch 41 thereof from engagement with the flange or projection 55 on the plate 53. The tension spring 5I is, therefore, permitted to move the plate 53 upwardly with respect to the lever 48 in such manner that the point 53a of the plate 53 will be interposed in the path of the hook means I22 on link I2I in the carriage reciprocating means. During this time, the projection 56a has remained in position in the step 48a in lever 48, whereby the lever 48 has been maintained in upright position.

The position of the parts at this time is the same as is shown in Figure 7, save that the lever 25 has been swung forwardly or in clockwise direction and the spring 5! has moved the plate 53 upwardly on the lever 48. The point 53a of the plate 53 is thus placed in the path of the hook means I22 and upon the next passage of the hook means I 22 past the point 53a, engagement of the hook means with the point, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 9, will cause the lever 48 to be swung forwardly, in clockwise direction, to the full line position shown in Figure 9, whereby to release the projection 56a. from the step 48a in the lever 48 and permit the tension spring 63 to thrust the link 53 forwardly or to the right, whereby the clutch roller 69 will be engaged with the flange means of the clutch to break the operative gear train and prevent further transmission of power to the printing units.

As engagement of the hook means I22 with the point 53a of the plate 53 occurs always at a predetermined point in the reciprocation of the carriage of the lower, or first, printing unit, and as the other, superposed printing units, are synchronized therewith, stoppage of each carriage will always take place at a certain point in the cycle of operation thereof in such manner that the printing operation of that particular cycle will have been completed and the carriage will be in the position illustrated in Figure 3.

The tumbler switch 35 is operated through the link 60. This is accomplished by means of a plate I0 rigidly secured to the link 30 and provided with a pair of spaced pins II disposed forwardly, and rearwardly, respectively, with respect to the switch lever 33a of the tumbler switch 35.

When the parts are in the position illustrated in Figure '7, the tumbler switch lever 38a is in upright position and the switch is closed with the tumbler 38 in engagement with terminals 33 and 34 thereof. The motor operating circuit is closed and, as above explained, the clutch is closed because of the spaced relationship between the clutch and the clutch roller 69. When, as above described, the link 63 is released to engage the clutch roller 69 with the clutch flanges and open the clutch, the engagement of pins II with the terminal switch lever 38a opens the switch 35 by removing the tumbler 38 from engagement with the terminals 33 and 34 simultaneously with the opening of the clutch.

It will thus be seen that energization of the solenoid 26 causes the plate 53 to move upwardly into the path of the hook means I22 so that engagement of this hook means therewith will cause simultaneous opening of the motor operating circuit and opening of the clutch means in the operating gear train.

Power train (Fig. 2)

The drive motor H is provided with a driving pulley having thereon a belt I2 which also operatively engages a pulley 13. The pulley I3 is rigidly secured by means of the screw 14 to the shaft 15 which is suspended, adjacent one end, for free rotation in the bracket 73 secured to the lower side of the plate member 2 by the bolt means TI. At its opposite end, the shaft is rotatably supported by bracket members I8 and 180. formed integrally with the side plate or rail I and one of the members Ia respectively.

Endwise movement of the shaft I5 in its supporting brackets is prevented by means of collars I9 and 8!! rigidly attached to the shaft between the brackets. Also rigidly attached to the shaft 15 between the collars I9 and 8B is a gear 8|. This gear meshes with a gear 82 which is freely rotatably supported on the pintle 6'! which carries the lever 66 and roller arm 68.

Formed integrally with, or rigidly secured to, the gear 82 is a gear 83 which is adapted to mesh with a pinion 84 which is supported for free rotation on the headed pintle bolt 35 rigidly secured to members I and la. Each member I is provided with a suitable enlarged boss provided with a stepped cylindrical recess for supporting a bearing member 86 and also a bushing 81. Rotatably supported by these bearings and bushings is the shaft 88. The shaft 88 is provided with cap screws 89 at its opposite ends which cooperate with the bearing means 86 to retain it for rotation, and against axial movement with respect to the frame of the machine.

Rigidly secured by means of a set screw 9| to the shaft 88 is a stationary clutch member 90 having a conical clutch surface at its rear end. Adjacent this stationary clutch member 90 is the clutch sleeve 92 having at its right end a portion complementary to the conical clutch surface of the member 90 and provided with antifriction means 93. This sleeve member 92 is provided with a cylindrical recess 94 which extends from the left end thereof to a point adjacent the right end thereof, and in which is disposed the compression spring 95 which is backed at the left end by the bushing 90, which bushing is rotatable with respect to the shaft 88 and which supports the left end of the sleeve 92. At its left end, the sleeve 92 is provided with a reduced portion terminating in an annular flanged portion 91 having an inclined surface complementary to the surface of one flange of the clutch roller 69 which is adapted to be engaged therewith in a manner which will hereinafter more clearly appear.

Extending axially from the flanged portion 91 are a plurality of pins 98. These pins 98 are adapted for engagement in suitable recesses 99 provided in the flanged portion IOI of the pinion I00, which pinion I meshes with the pinion 84 and which is supported by an axially extending flange formed integrally with the pinion I02. Disposed between the pinion I00 and the pinion I02 is the antifriction thrust washer I03.

Due to engagement of the pins 98 and slots 99, the sleeve 92 and pinion I00 are axially movable with respect to one another, but are nonrotatable with respect to one another. The spring 90, through its engagement with the bushing 95 which abuts the end of the pinion I00, normally exerts sufiicient axial thrust to cause operative connection between pinion I00 and pinion I02 through the interposed antifriction washer I03. Normally, therefore, the pinions I00 and I02 rotate together or, in other words, the antifriction washer I03 provides operative connection between pinion I00 and pinion I02.

As above explained, the clutch roller 69 is normally withdrawn from engagement with the flange means 91 and 90, as illustrated in Figure 7. When, however, the clutch roller 69 is thrust rearwardly to the position shown in Figure 9, the flanges 91 and 98 are engaged by the grooved surface of the clutch roller 69, whereby these flanges 0! and 90 are urged together. This urging together of the flanges 91 and 90 shortens the effective length of the unit formed by the axially movable sleeve 92 and pinion I00, whereby pressure exerted through spring 95 upon the antifriction washer I03 and antifriction means 33 is suficiently reduced to permit the pinion I00, and its non-rotatably connected sleeve 92, to rotate free of the pinion I02. As the drive for the carriage reciprocating mechanism in each of the printing imits of the machine is derived from the pinion I02, this disconnection of the pinion I02 from the drive pinion I00 breaks the drive power train.

As above explained, rearward movement of the link 00 may occur only at one point in each operative cycle of the machine and, therefore, the connection between the driving pinion I00 and the driven pinion I02 is likewise opened at a particular point in the cycle. Simultaneously, with the opening of the power drive train, as above described, the motor energizing circuit is opened and the disconnection of the power train at this time prevents further operation of the printing mechanism due to coasting of the motor after its energizing circuit is opened.

The frame of each printing unit B comprises a roof plate I04 having secured thereto, and therebelow, by means of bolts I06, a pair of lower side plates I05 and having secured thereto and thereabove by means of screws I08, a pair of upper side plates I0! (Fig. 2). The lower side plates I05 are provided with suitable apertures for receiving roller bearings 86a similar to the above described roller bearings 80, and rotatably supported in each pair of roller bearings 89a. is the shaft I09 having rigidly secured at each end thereof a chain sprocket IIO which supports and drives the sprocket chain III of each corresponding printing unit.

The shaft I09 of the lower unit B which is pivotally secured by means of bushings 81 to the unit A, is driven by means of the pinion II2 rigidly secured thereto by means of the set screw H3. The pinion II2 constantly meshes with the pinion I02 and is rotated thereby during rotation of the said pinion I02 when the above-described clutch is closed. At its opposite end, the shaft I09 of the lower unit has a pinion II4 non-rotatably secured thereto by means of set screw II 5. Each shaft I09 of each unit B is provided with such pinion I I4.

In order that each unit be secured to the unit therebelow, pivotally, at its rear end, the lower side plates of each upper unit are so spaced as to be disposed within the lower side plates I01 of the unit therebelow and the upper and lower side plates are provided with aligned apertures in which are disposed the pintle members 870. similar to the bushings 81 of the base unit A. These pintle members 01a are rigidly secured in suitable manner to the upper side plates I01. This provides for pivotal connection of the superposed units at their rear ends. In order that drive connection be provided between the sprockets II4 of the superposed units, each roof plate I04 is provided with a suitable aperture across which extends axle means providing free rotatable support for gears II6.

As will be seen from the right of Figure 2, rotation of the lower shaft I09 through rotation by pinion I02 of its rigidly secured pinion II2 causes power to be transmitted through its rigidly secured pinion II4 to the gear IIB disposed thereabove and thence to the next pinion II4 thereabove to cause rotation of its rigidly secured supporting shaft I99, thence from the second pinion II4 through the second gear IIB to the sprocket II4 thereabove, whereby to rotate its rigidly secured shaft I09.

As the sprockets IIO are rigidly secured to opposite ends of the shafts I09, these sprockets drive the supported chains III simultaneously, in synchronism and at the same speed. The chains. III, as above explained, are supported at the rear end of the machine by the sprockets H0. The forward ends of the chains are supported by sprockets II! which are freely rotatable on the outside of the frames, and suitable chain guide means I I8 is provided which also adjustably supports the pint-1e II9 of each rear sprocket II I.

Pivotally secured to a link of each chain is an ofiset bearing member I20 which is rigidly secured to one end of a link I2I which is adapted to translate travel of the chains into reciprocatory movement of the carriages in the printing units. Thus, by rotation of the shafts I09,

the carriages of the printing units are caused to reciprocate in synchronism.

Formed at the lower end of the righthand link I 2I of the lower printing unit is the hook I22, which extends downwardly and which, as above described, is adapted to engage the point 53a on the plate 53 to cause release of the link 30 for forward movement subsequent to energization of the solenoid 23, as above described. (See Figs. '7, 8 and 9).

Printing units (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 10) The details of the printing units, the braking means and controls for locking the paper webs to the carriage and releasing them therefrom, as well as the means for moving and controlling the impression roller of the carriage, and as well as the means for adjusting and controlling the ink supply roll of the ink fountain and the means for supporting the printing plate or type plate are fully described in my co-pending application Serial No. 98,514, filed August 29, 1936, of which this application is a division.

As the details of this structure are not, per se, a part of the subject-matter claimed in this application, they will be hereinafter described briefly, rather than in detail. The details of the lower printing unit are shown in section in Figure 3, wherein it will be seen that the printing plate or type plate I23 is removably supported upon the plate 2.

Forwardly of the printing plate is the ink fountain generally designated I24 which is also removably attached to the plate 2. In the superposed units, this structure is supported upon the roof plate I04 of the printing unit therebelow. The ink fountain comprises a tank-like casing having supported therein a pair of engaging rolls I25, the forwardmost of which engages the ink supply roll I26. The roll I26 is caused to rotate a predetermined amount by the movement of the carriage upon its return, or printing, stroke and means is provided for predeterminedly adjusting the amount of rotation of the ink supply roll I26, which will occur upon each traverse of the carriage in a cycle of operation of the machine. The rolls I 25 are adapted to supply ink to the ink supply roll I26 and the amount of rotation of the ink supply roll will, therefore, determine the amount of ink supplied by this roll I26 to the ink transfer rolls I43 in each cycle of operation.

Web supporting means (Figs. 2 and 3) The web is supported at the forward end of each printing unit by the web supporting roller I21 journaled for free rotation between the side plates I05 at the lefthand end of the frame, as shown in Figure 3. Cooperating with this roller are a plurality of resiliently faced brake or clamp members I28 which are rigidly secured to the clamp support shaft I29 which may be rocked to urge the brake or clamp members I28 away from the web supporting roller I21. Resilient means I30 normally urges the brake or clamp members I28 toward the web supporting roller I21 and the web supported thereby. When the members I28 engage a web supported on the roller I21, they fixedly secure the web and supporting roller I21 against movement with respect to the machine.

At the rear end of each printing unit, the web is supported by a pair of drive rollers I3I which rotate with the shaft I09 of the unit and which are axially adjustable on the shaft, as shown in Figure 2. A swingable web compression roller I32 cooperates with each pair of drive rollers I3I to clamp the web therebetween, and the web compression roller I32 is supported for free rotation by a pair of arms I33 which are pivotally mounted on the shaft I34 which is rigidly disposed between the side plates I05. Leaf spring means I35, which is adjustable through adjusting screw I36, resiliently urges the web compression roller I33 against the cooperating drive rollers I3I.

Clamp or brake members I31 provided with resilient facings similar to those of the members I28 are mounted in such manner as to be disposed beneath the web at its point of engagement with the web compression roller I32 in such manner that, when the clamp or brake members I31 are raised, the web is spaced from the drive rollers I3I. When the clamp or brake members I31 are moved downwardly out of engagement with the web, the web may be clampingly engaged by means of the web compression roller I 32 with the drive rollers I3I in such manner that the drive rollers I3I may move it toward the right, as shown in Figure 3.

It will thus be seen that the web is supported at opposite ends by web supporting roller I21 and drive rollers I3I respectively, and that by means of brake or clamp means I28 and i31, it may be held, at certain times, against movement with respect to the printing unit through which it extends.

The carrier assemblies or carriages each comprises a pair of plate-like side members I 38 which are secured in rigid spaced relation by means of the L-section plate member I39 rigidly attached at the left upper corners of each side member and the arcuate paper web guide plate I40 arranged centrally between the two side members and rigidly attached at each end thereto. The front axle member I41 is also rigidly locked at each end in the respective side members and supports at each end outwardly of the side plates I33 a roller I4Ia (Fig. 1) adapted for support on the trackway I05a provided therefor in each side plate I05.

A second or rear axle member I42 is rotatably journaled in the side plates or members I38, and this rear axle member I42 rotatably supports at each end thereof outside the side walls I38 suitable rollers I42a (Fig. 1) adapted for support on the trackway I05. Also secured to the opposite ends of the axles I42 are the upper ends of corresponding links I2 I, above described, which have their opposite or lower ends secured to the sprocket chains I II. Reciprocation of the carriage is thus accomplished by travel of the sprocket chains III.

Suitably supported for rotation in the carriage leftwardly of the web guide plate I40 is a pair of resiliently faced ink transfer rolls I43, with which is associated an axially reciprocable ink spreader roll I44 which is provided with axial reciprocating movement during longitudinal reciprocating movement of the carriage in the printing unit. When the carriage, upon its printing or leftward stroke, reaches the end of its travel, the ink transfer rolls I43 engage the ink supply roll I26, whereby to take ink there from; and upon the succeeding web moving or rightward movement of the carriage, these ink transfer rolls I43 transfer the ink received from the ink supply roll I26 to the printing surface of the printing plate or type plate I23. Rotatably secured between the side plates I 38 substantially directly below the front axle member MI is the web supporting shaft I45 having thereon non-smear web supporting rollers I43 over which the web passes.

Disposed between the web supporting rollers I46 and the web guide plate I 33 is the swingable impression roller I47 which engages the topsurface of the web. The movement of this impression roller I41 is so controlled that on the rightward or feeding stroke of the carriage it is disposed in its upward position whereby the web which is progressively engaged thereby remains spaced from the printing surface of the printing plate or t me plate I 23. Upon the succeeding or opposite printing stroke, the impression roll-er is disposed in its lowermost position whereby to progressively engage the web, which is then clamped to the printing unit by operation of the brake or clamping members I28 and I31, against the inked printing surface of the printing plate or type plate I23, which has been inked by the ink transfer rolls I43 during the feeding movement of the carriage. In order that the web may be fed, advanced, or moved to the right, as shown in Figure 3, upon the feeding or rightward stroke of the carriage, means is provided 7 for clamping the web to the carriage in order that this may be accomplished.

This means comprises the web support plate I48 which is of bent-up form and which is adapted to engage the folded or serrated portions of the web led thereover, as shown in Figure 3. To the right of the web guide plate I48 is the shaft I49 which has fixed thereto suitable arms I55 having pivotally secured to their free ends the clamping roller supporting links II, to the free end of which is secured for free rotation the clamping or clasping roller I52.

During the feeding or rightward stroke of the carriage, the clamping or clasping roller I52 is forced into cooperative clamping relation with the web support plate I48 in such manner that the web will be tightly clamped between the clamping or clasping roller I52 and the web support plate I48, whereby rightward or advancing motion of the carriage will cause the web, which is secured thereto, to be advanced toward the right, as seen in Figure 3, for a predetermined amount. When this predetermined advancement has occurred, by means of adjustable control means cooperating with the clamping or clasping roller support, the clamping or clasping roller I52 is moved to the released position shown in Figure 3. By means of other controls provided for the brake or clamping members I28 and I31, these brake means are released when the clamping or clasping roller I52 secures the web to the movable carriage. However, immediately upon release of the clamping or clasping roller I52, as above described, the brakes or clamping members I28 are again applied to secure the web in stationary relation with respect to the machine. As above stated, the means for controlling the brakes, the clamping or clasping roller I52, etc. is fully described in my copending application Serial No. 98,514, filed August 29, 1936, of which this application is a division. Description of these complicated control means is omitted from this application, as they do not form, per se, a part of the invention covered in this application.

Briefly, the operation of the printing units is as follows. As shown in Figure 3, the parts are in the at rest or starting position, which is taken when the power train and power circuit have been interrupted, as above described. Upon starting the machine, the carriage will move rightwardly, as seen in Figure 3, and at a predetermined time, the clamping or clasping roller I52 will be thrust against the web support plate I48 to clamp the web to the carriage.

Simultaneously, the brake means I28 and I3'I will be released, whereby the roller I21 will be freely rotatable to permit advance of the web at that end of the printing unit, while the Web will be resiliently urged by the web compression roller I32 against the driven drive rollers I3I at the opposite end. This engagement with the rotating drive rollers will cause the web to be advanced to maintain the web taut. Due to the upward disposition of the impression roller M1, the web will be advanced out of contact with the printing plate or type plate I23 until a predetermined amount of advance or feeding thereof has occurred. The clamping or clasping roller I52 will then be released to free the web from the carriage, while simultaneously the web will be clamped by the brake or clamping means I28 and I3'I, which is then applied, and secured against further movement in the frame of the printing unit. The carriage will continue to advance to the right end of the trackway and during the movement of the carriage in this direction, the ink transfer rolls I43 will ink the printing surface of the printing plate or type plate I23. The movement of the carriage is then reversed and, at a predetermined point in its succeeding leftward stroke, the impression roller I4! is caused to move downwardly to progressively present the lower side of the web against the upper or printing surface of the printing plate or type plate I23. Adjacent the end of this printing stroke of the carriage, the impression roller I4'I is again moved upwardly, and the ink transfer rolls I43 pass over the ink supply roll I25 of the ink fountain to have ink applied thereto which is thereafter, upon the next feeding stroke of the carriage, applied by the ink transfer rolls I43 to the upper or printing surface of the printing plate or type plate I23.

As above described, the fanfolded webs are supported upon the shelf G and then pass through the aligning chamber, thence through the printing units and, as they issue from the printing units, they pass through suitable guide roller means provided in the web delivery guide generally designated I53, and they are guided thence into the stacker generally designated I54, which stacker is driven from, and in synchronism with, the printing machine. The stacker re-stacks the unfolded webs into superposed fanfolded relation in the manner in which they were folded and supported upon the shelf G before the printing thereof had been accomplished.

The side standards of the web guide I53 are topmost printing unit, and this rod may be engaged in the notches provided in the web delivery guide frame to support the printing units of the machine in tilted relation, as shown in Figure 10, in order to facilitate threading of unprinted webs therethrough in loading the machine.

The separate printing units are pivotal with respect to one another and with respect to the base, and in threading the machine the units are placed in the position shown in Figure 1 0, whereupon to facilitate threading of the lowermost web through the lowermost printing unit, then the lowermost printing unit is brought downwardly and latchedly secured by latch means I54 to the base unit. The under side of the second printing unit is then exposed for ease of threading the second unprinted web therethrough, and after this threading has been accomplished, the second unit is brought down into position above the lowermost printing unit and latched thereto by the latch means I54. This procedure is followed in threading the third printing unit and thereafter the third printing unit is latchedly secured to the second printing unit in such manner that the parts take the position illustrated in Figure 1.

As above described, any suitable number of printing units may be provided in the machine due to its built-up construction and the interchangeability of printing units and their equipment, save for the lower printing unit which is provided with certain equipment which is not necessary in the printing units thereabove. All of this construction and the advantages thereof are fully described in my copending application Serial lo. 98,514, filed August 29, 1936, of which this application is a division.

It will be understood that the above-described structure is merely illustrative of the manner in which the principles of my invention may be utilized and that I desire to comprehend within my invention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims and the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a printing machine having paper web feeding means and reciprocating printing means, a prime mover, and paper web aligning mechanism, said aligning mechanism having associated means adapted, upon exhaustion of the paper web supply, to automatically initiate the disconnection of said prime mover from said paper feeding and printing means.

2. In a printing machine for paper sheets, paper sheet feeding means and reciprocating printing means, a prime mover for actuating said sheet feeding and printing means, paper sheet aligning mechanism, said paper sheet feeding means being operable through a power train connected to said prime mover, and means associated with said paper sheet aligning means for automatically shutting off said prime mover and opening said power train at a predetermined position upon the discontinuance of paper sheets passing through said printing machine.

3. In a printing machine, paper web feeding means and reciprocating printing means, a prime mover for actuating said paper web feeding means and reciprocating printing means, said paper web feeding means including means adapted, upon exhaustion qr discontinuity of said paper web, to simultaneously shut down the. prime mover and stop the reciprocation of said printing means at a predetermined position in the operation cycle.

4. In a printing machine, paper web feeding means and reciprocating printing means, a prime mover for actuating said feeding and printing means, said paper feeding means including electrical contact members which are adapted normally to be separated by the paper web and adapted to be responsive to paper discontinuance to initiate the simultaneous shutting down of the prime mover and stopping the reciprocating printing means at a predetermined time.

5. In a printing machine, paper sheet feeding means and reciprocating printing mechanism for printing said sheets as they are moved through said machine, prime mover means for operating said sheet feeding and printing means, paper sheet aligning mechanism, and means associated with said sheet aligning mechanism which is adapted, upon exhaustion or discontinuance of said paper sheets, to shut down the prime mover and effect the automatic stopping of said reciprocating printing mechanism at the end of its printing operation cycle.

6. In a printing machine, means for feeding a plurality of superimposed paper sheets, means for aligning said plurality of paper sheets, means comprising reciprocable mechanism for printing said sheets as they are moved along through said machine, common prime mover means for operating said feeding means and said printing means, and means associated with said aligning means adapted, upon encountering torn or discontinuous portions of said paper sheets, to effect automatic disconnection of said prime mover from said feeding and printing means and stopping of said reciprocable printing mechanism.

'7. In a printing machine, separate web feeding and printing means, a prime mover for actuating said feeding and printing means having an electric operating circuit, web aligning means for guiding aligned webs of paper to said feeding and printing means, switch means in said circuit, a gear train drivingly connected to said prime mover and arranged to operate said feeding and printing mechanism, friction clutch means in said gear train, and means associated with said feeding means responsive to paper exhaustion for simultaneously opening said switch and said clutch means to shut off said prime mover and disconnect said gear train to stop said printing machine.

8. In a printing machine having paper web feed means and reciprocating printing means, a prime mover having an electric operating circuit, switch means in said circuit, a feed means and printing means, a driving gear train operatively connected with said prime mover, clutch means in said gear train, and common means responsive to paper web exhaustion for simultaneously operating said switch means and said clutch means to shut off said prime mover and open said gear train at a predetermined subsequent time whereby to stop said web feeding and printing means in a predetermined position in its operative cycle.

9. In a printing machine having web feeding means and reciprocating printing means, a gear train for operating said web feeding means and said printing means, friction clutch means in said gear train, a prime mover drivingly connected with said gear train through said clutch means, and common means responsive to web exhaustion for simultaneously shutting off said prime mover and operating said clutch to open said gear train at a predetermined subsequent time whereby to stop said web feeding and printing means in a predetermined position in its operative cycle.

10. In a printing machine having plural superposed units with web feeding means and printing means therein, a gear train for operating said web feeding means and said printing means in synchronism, friction clutch means in said gear train, a prime mover drivingly connected to said gear train through said clutch means, and common means responsive to web exhaustion for initiating simultaneous shutting off of said prime mover and interruption of said gear train by operation of said clutch under the control of the web feeding means and printing means at a predetermined subsequent time whereby to stop said web feeding and printing means in a predetermined position in its operative cycle.

11. In a printing machine having common reciprocating means for feeding and printing a paper web, switch controlled motor means, means including a clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said reciprocating feeding and printing means, and means responsive to web exhaustion for automatically initiating simultaneous stoppage of said motor means and opening of said clutch means under the control of said reciprocating feeding and printing means at a predetermined subsequent time whereby to stop said web feeding and printing means in a predetermined position in its operative cycle.

12. In a printing machine having common reciprocating means for feeding and printing paper webs, switch controlled drive motor means, means including a clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said reciprocating feeding and printing means, and means responsive to web exhaustion for automatically initiating stoppage of said motor means and opening of said clutch, and means associated with said reciprocating feeding and printing means for simultaneously opening said motor switch and said clutch means to effect stoppage of said machine at a prede' termined point in the operative cycle thereof.

13. In a printing machine having common reciprocating means for feeding and printing a paper web, aligning means for supplying an aligned web to said feeding and printing means, switch controlled drive motor means, means including a clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said feeding and printing means, and means responsive to web exhaustion for automatically initiating simultaneous stoppage of said motor means and opening of said clutch at a predetermined position in the opera- 40 tive cycle.

14. In a printing machine having common reciprocating means for feeding and printing a paper web, web aligning means including guide roll means for supplying an aligned web to said 45 feeding and printing means, switch controlled drive motor means, means including a clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said feeding and printing means, and means responsive to web exhaustion for automatically 50 initiating simultaneous stoppage of said motor means and opening of said clutch, said means including a circuit switch associated with said aligning means and normally held open by passage of the paper web around said web guide roll 55 means.

15. In a printing machine having common reciprocating means for feeding and printing a p per web. aligning means for su plying an aligned web to said feeding and printing means,

60 switch controlled drive motor means, means including a clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said feeding and printing means, and means responsive to web exhaustion for automatically initiating simultaneous stop- 65 page of said motor means and opening of said clutch under the control of said reciprocating feeding and power means at a predetermined position in the operative cycle.

16. In a printing machine having common 70 reciprocating means for feeding and printing a paper web, web aligning mechanism including guide roll means for supplying an aligned web to said feeding and printing means, switch controlled drive motor means, means including a 75 clutch operatively connecting said motor means with said feeding and printing means, and means associated with said web aligning mechanism responsive to web exhaustion for automatically initiating simultaneous stoppage of said motor meansandopening of said clutch, said means including a circuit switch associated with said aligning means and normally held open by passage of the paper web through said aligning means, a solenoid circuit controlled by said circuit switch, and a solenoid operated latch lever moved to unlatching position through completion of said solenoid circuit 'to'make said motor switch and clutch opening means operative through said reciprocating feeding and printing means.

'17. In a printing'machine, a prime mover, control switch means for starting and stopping said prime mover, clutch means operatively connected to said prime mover, reciprocable paper feeding and printing carriage means operatively connected to said clutch means, and means responsive to lack of continuity of paper for initiating simultaneous opening of said switch means and clutch to stop said prime mover at a predetermined position during the operative cycle.

18. In a printing machine, a prime mover, control' switch means for starting and stopping said prime mover, clutch means operatively connected to said prime mover, reciprocable paper web feeding and printing carriage means operatively connected to clutch means, web aligning mechanism including side members and guide roll means for guiding paper webs to said feeding and printing carriage means, and means associated with said aligning mechanism and responsive to lack of continuity of paper webs passing therethrough for initiating simultaneous operation of said switch means and clutch under the control of the reciprocable feeding and printing carriage means to stop said prime mover and open said clutch.

19. In a printing machine, a prime mover having ano'perating circuit, control switch means for opening said circuit to stop said prime mover, clutch means operatively connected to said prime mover, plural reciprocable web feeding carriage means operatively connected to said clutch means and driven therethrough by said prime mover, aligning means including predeterminedly spaced guide rollers for guiding webs to said web feeding carriage means, and means associated with the guide rollers of said aligning means and responsive to lack of continuity of webs passing therebetween for initiating simultaneous opening of said switch means and said clutch under the control of the position of the reciprocable web feeding carriage means to open the prime mover operating circuit and simultaneously open said clutch to prevent movement of said web feeding carriage means past predetermined points in its operative cycle upon coasting of said prime mover after opening of said operating circuit.

20. In a printing machine, a power circuit, a prime mover operated thereby, a gear train operativelv connected to said prime mover, a clutch in said gear train, reciprocable paper web feeding and printing carriage means operatively connected to said clutch means, web aligning roller means for supplying aligned paper web to said feeding and printing means, means for simultaneously opening the clutch and power circuit, and means operative during continuity of fed paper webs to latch said clutch and power circuit opening means from operation and operative upon failure of paper web continuity to unlatch said clutch and power circuit opening means for operation by said paper feeding means.

21. In a printing machine, a power circuit, a prime mover operated thereby, a gear train operatively connected to said prime mover, reciprocating paper web'feeding means operatively connected to said gear train, a clutch in said gear train, means for simultaneously opening the clutch and power circuit, web aligning means comprising spaced guide rollers for guiding paper webs to said feeding and printing means, and means operative during continuity of fed paper webs to latch said clutch and power circuit opening means from operation and operative upon failure of paper web continuity to unlatch said clutch and power circuit opening means for operation by said reciprocating paper feeding means.

22. In a printing machine, reciprocating paper feeding means, a prime mover, means including a clutch for operatively connecting said paper feeding means to said prime mover, an electrical circuit operative when completed to initiate simultaneous stoppage of said prime mover and opening of said clutch by said reciprocating paper feeding means, aligning means for guiding paper webs to said feeding and printing means including guide rolls spaced at equal predetermined distances in the path of the paper webs from the corresponding carriage means, and means including electrical contacts cooperating with said guide rolls and normally spaced therefrom by paper webs passing therebetween for completing the circuit to initiate simultaneous stoppage of said prime mover and opening of said clutch upon occurrence of paper exhaustion.

23. In a printing machine, reciprocating paper feeding means, a prime mover, means including a clutch for operatively connecting said paper feeding means to said prime mover, an electrical circuit operative when completed to initiate simultaneous stoppage of said prime mover and opening of said clutch by said reciprocating paper feeding means, aligning means for guiding paper webs to said feeding and printing means including guide rolls spaced at equal predetermined distances in the path of the paper webs from the corresponding carriage means, and means including electrical contacts resiliently urged toward said guide rolls and normally spaced therefrom by paper webs passing therebetween for completing the circuit to initiate simultaneous stoppage of said prime mover and opening of said clutch upon occurrence of paper exhaustion.

24. In a printing machine, a prime mover, an operating electrical circuit therefor, a gear train operatively connected to said prime mover, a clutch in said gear train, a reciprocable paper feeding and printing carriage, means including a sprocket chain and connecting link for operating said carriage from said gear train, common means for simultaneously opening said operating circuit and said clutch latching means normally operative for latching said circuit and clutch opening means against operation, means responsive to paper supply exhaustion for releasing said latching means, and means on said connecting link made operable by release of said latching means to open said electrical circuit and clutch means.

25. In a printing machine, a prime mover, an operating circuit therefor, a gear train operatively connected to said prime mover, a clutch in said gear train, a reciprocable paper feeding and printing carriage, means including a sprocket chain and connecting link for operating said carriage from said gear train, common means for simultaneously opening said operating circuit and said clutch solenoid operated latching means normally operative for latching said circuit and clutch opening means against operation, means including a switch responsive to paper supply exhaustion for releasing said solenoid operated latching means, and means on said connecting link made operable by release of said latching means to operate said circuit and clutch opening means to simultaneously open the prime mover operating circuit and clutch for stopping said carriage at a predetermined point in its cycle of operation and prevent moving thereof due to coasting of the prime mover upon opening of itsoperating circuit.

CLAYTON E. WYRICK. 

